What types of foster dogs can you help with? 

No matter what you are comfortable with, we need fosters in all areas and we are ALWAYS here to support you!

Bottle Babies & New Families:

Often we get young puppies who are orphans and need extra love and care. These babies are more work but man, is it rewarding! They often need to be fed every 2-4 hours (even through the night). It is like having a newborn.

There are many dogs who are expecting in the shelters. This again is a longer term commitment, as we do not adopt puppies out until they are at least 8 weeks old and you are also committed to foster mom until her adoption as well. Caring for a mama and her babies is an amazing experience!

Medical Fostering:

PIPs with medical needs. These pups may be recuperating from surgery, treatments or a variety of other medical needs.

Examples would be:

• Mange: This is treated with medicated baths, medicine and good nutrition. Often mange is not contagious, but there are strands of it that are which you would know before taking in the pup.

• Ringworm: This is treated with medicated baths and medicine. This can be transmitted from dogs to other dogs or people.

• Broken Bones, Bad Wounds or Limb Amputation: broken bones are a bit of a longer commitment as they needs to be splinted and healed. Wounds, broken bones and post surgery amputation usually require the dog having restricted activity or crate rest. This often requires regular vet visits.

• Heartworm Positive (HW+): The biggest question we get with taking in a dog with heartworms is "is this contagious to my dog?". If your dog is on heartworm preventatives then your dog is safe! The dogs will need daily medication initially; then they go to the vet for  heartworm treatment. They require crate rest/exercise restriction for about a month after the treatment.

• Post-Operative Care: Usually treated with restrictive movement, medication and trips to the vet to be sure all is healing well.

• Deaf / Blind: These pups have a special way of learning but can be 100% functional in a home. Use of sign language and touch training is key to their success.

• Disabled: These guys are often disabled from a trauma- some need rehab while others just need to learn to use a wheelchair.

These are just some examples of medical fostering.  Some medical dogs can be adopted while in treatment, depending on the adopter's willingness to continue care.  Every adoption is judged on a case-by-case basis, since every situation and dog is different.